Ian Roome

Ian Roome first moved to North Devon in 1989 while serving in the Royal Air Force, after being posted to RAF Chivenor from RAF Laarbruch in Germany.

After completing his time in the RAF, he stayed in North Devon to work in the NHS: at first in acute and community mental health services, then social housing management, and eventually became Head of the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity - raising a record £7 million for various NHS projects during his time at the helm.

Ian was instrumental in the fundraising campaign to build the Seamoor Unit, the new £3 million Chemotherapy wing at North Devon District Hospital, which was officially opened following a royal visit in 2015.

First elected as a Liberal Democrat Town Councillor in 2003, he was chosen as Mayor of Barnstaple three times, and went on to serve as a North Devon District Councillor, as Leader of North Devon Council, and as a Devon County Councillor. A former school governor and lifelong volunteer, he remains a champion for a number of local organisations and charities in North Devon.

"A youngster from a Sheffield council estate", Ian cares deeply about opportunity for all, fair access to NHS services, protecting North Devon's natural environment, and support for the armed forces. He is one of a small number of current MPs who have ever served in the ranks.

Ian lives in Pilton, in Barnstaple. He has two daughters, and one grandson. He enjoys watching rugby - especially Exeter Chiefs - exploring Exmoor National Park, and visiting North Devon's many spectacular beaches with his family. He loves travelling, and has toured Europe extensively by motorcycle.